Welcome to Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Cervantes measure to slash parking mandates and boost affordable housing

CHICAGO – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is leading a transformative piece of housing legislation that will rein in excessive parking requirements imposed by municipalities and remove a key barrier to building more homes for working families.

“Every unnecessary parking space we mandate is a home we aren’t able to build,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This measure is about putting families first and making sure communities have the tools they need to grow, welcome new residents and build housing that people can actually afford.”

Read more: Cervantes measure to slash parking mandates and boost affordable housing

Hunter leads landmark housing bill to tackle affordability crisis

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading sweeping legislation that would reform exclusionary zoning laws and open new pathways for affordable, diverse housing across the state.

“Underserved communities across Illinois have been bearing the weight of the housing crisis for years," said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 4060 gives us the tools to build more housing in more places – and to do it in a way that is fair, transparent and enforceable.”

As part of Governor JB Pritzker’s Building Up Illinois Developments – or BUILD – proposal, Hunter is leading Senate Bill 4060.

Read more: Hunter leads landmark housing bill to tackle affordability crisis

Senate Democrats highlight launch of new tax credit to incentivize sustainable filmmaking, boost Illinois’ TV and film industry

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the launch of a first-of-its-kind incentive program to promote environmentally conscious television and filmmaking, positioning Illinois as a nationwide leader in sustainable film production.

“I am proud to support an initiative that brings together innovation, job creation, and environmental responsibility,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Illinois is setting the standard for how states can grow their industries while building a more sustainable future.”

Read more: Senate Democrats highlight launch of new tax credit to incentivize sustainable filmmaking, boost...

Loughran Cappel fights for paraprofessionals with short-term approval licenses to become fully licensed

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel advanced a measure that would let paraprofessionals with a short-term approval license become fully licensed after their short-term license expires.

“Paraprofessionals do a lot to help teachers,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “They provide important assistance for students’ instruction, behavior and personal care under the guidance of teachers and administrators.”

Paraprofessionals’ short-term approval licenses are valid for three years but cannot be renewed. Current regulations allow someone with a short-term approval license to act as a paraprofessional while working toward meeting the full-time license qualifications.

Read more: Loughran Cappel fights for paraprofessionals with short-term approval licenses to become fully...